If you’re looking for a slightly different museum to visit in Utrecht, Museum Speelklok is located right in the city centre and is home to a large collection of self-playing musical instruments.
I recently visited Museum Speelklok with my Museumkaart. Having lived in Utrecht for years, I’m slowly making my way through more of the city’s museums, and this was one I had walked past countless times without ever actually going inside.
It’s a fairly small museum, so you don’t need to spend half a day there. I spent around 45 minutes here, which was enough for me to see the museum and briefly join one of the guided tours.
So, what exactly can you see inside, and is Museum Speelklok worth adding to your Utrecht itinerary?
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What is Museum Speelklok?
Museum Speelklok is dedicated to self-playing musical instruments and has a collection of around 1,500 music machines. These range from tiny music boxes and musical clocks to large barrel organs.
The museum itself is also in a pretty unique location: the medieval Buurkerk in the centre of Utrecht.
Most of the larger historical instruments can be found on the ground floor. You can walk between the different music boxes, clocks and organs and learn a little more about how they work.
Upstairs, the museum becomes more interactive. There are different machines and activities where you can experiment with music and learn more about the technology behind the instruments.
I think this section makes Museum Speelklok particularly good for families with children, as there is more to actually do rather than only looking at exhibits. The museum also has a children’s trail and activities where kids can make their own music.
Guided Tours at Museum Speelklok
One thing worth doing while you’re there is joining one of the museum’s Musical Tours.
During the tour, a guide demonstrates some of the instruments, so you get to hear the music machines rather than just look at them.
You don’t need to book the regular tour separately. I actually joined one that was already underway for a little while during my visit.
Tours currently run throughout the day, generally starting every hour between 10:30 and 15:30, followed by a shorter highlight tour at 16:20. Tours can be in Dutch and/or English depending on the group.
Museum Speelklok Tickets & Opening Hours
Museum Speelklok is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. During official school holidays, it is also open on Mondays.
Current admission prices are:
- Adults: €18.50
- Students and teenagers aged 13–17: €13.50
- Children aged 4–12: €10
- Children aged 0–3: Free
- Museumkaart: Free
You don’t need to reserve a time slot and can also buy your ticket when you arrive.
Or you can book your Museum Speelklok ticket online here
If you live in the Netherlands and like visiting museums, I would also recommend looking into the Museumkaart. I used mine to visit Museum Speelklok, and with free admission to hundreds of museums around the Netherlands, you can quickly get your money’s worth if you visit museums regularly. It costs €75 a year (as of September 2026).
Where is Museum Speelklok?
Museum Speelklok is at Steenweg 6, right in the centre of Utrecht.
It’s only a few steps from the Oudegracht and surrounded by some of Utrecht’s main shopping streets, so it’s very easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.
From Utrecht Central Station, it’s around a 10-minute walk to the museum.
There is also a café by the entrance and a small museum shop that you pass on your way out.
How Long Do You Need at Museum Speelklok?
I spent around 45 minutes at Museum Speelklok, which was enough for me.
If you join a full guided tour, read more about the individual instruments, or spend more time trying the interactive activities upstairs, you could easily spend longer. So maybe plan around 1 hour just to be sure.
Is Museum Speelklok Worth Visiting?
I thought Museum Speelklok was interesting to see once, but personally, I probably wouldn’t pay €18.50 specifically to visit it.
However, if you already have a Museumkaart, I think it’s absolutely worth popping in. It’s right in the centre of Utrecht, doesn’t require a huge amount of time and is something a little different from the other museums in the city.
I also think it’s a better choice if you’re visiting Utrecht with children, as some of the museum is quite interactive.
If you only have one day in Utrecht and are deciding where to spend your money, there are a few other activities I would personally prioritise first.
Other Things to Do in Utrecht
If this is your first time in the city, I would start with my guide to the best things to do in Utrecht for a full overview.
One of my favourite ways to see Utrecht is to climb the Dom Tower for one of the best views over the city. You can also visit DOMunder underneath Domplein to learn more about Utrecht’s Roman and medieval history.
For something more relaxed, you can take a canal cruise through Utrecht and see the Oudegracht and its famous wharf cellars from the water.
Another good budget option is a free walking tour of Utrecht, particularly if it’s your first time in the city.
And if you’re spending longer in the city, have a look at my guides to the best lunch spots in Utrecht, best restaurants in Utrecht and best day trips from Utrecht.
Let me know if you have any questions
